This week's project is a classic antique desk that I paint using blue
and tan colors and then give it that distressed, antique, beachy,
shabby chic look! This Project was really simple to do!! Try it for
yourself and see what kind of masterpiece you can come up with!! Continue reading down below

This week's furniture painting project is a little wood desk picked up at a yard sale. The desk was structurally sound and the only real problem to the desk was the finish. The clear coat on the top had worn off years ago and as a result there was damage to the actual wood finish. I decided to paint the entire desk so I did a little sanding just to prep the surface.

I initially had an idea on how I wanted to do the desk. I knew exactly what two colors I wanted to use and somewhat of and idea on what parts of the desk I wanted to use them on. This is where I want to take a second and talk about being flexible on these types of projects. I always start a project with an idea in my head on how I think its going to turn out but there has been countless times where that all changes. It's easy to get frustrated and want to give up on the project because you think its turning out like crap. Here's a little secret, it's only paint, you can always take it off or just paint right over what you just did. It's really no big deal at all! That is exactly what I did on this project. I had to change a few things but in the end I think it turned out much better. Click the photo to watch this part >>>

Click photo to watch this part of the video

Click photo to watch this part of the video

Watering down paint is a nifty little trick that can be very useful in these painting projects. Sometimes in my projects there are times when a perfectly covered paint job is not what I am looking for and the only way to achieve the look I want is by watering the paint down. Some uses of watered down paint is to make the paint more transparent or to give the project an overall washed out look. Try experimenting with it sometime and I am pretty sure its a technique you will want to start using. <<< Click the photo to watch this part

I always paint my furniture using a brush. Mainly because I do not own a sprayer but also because I like the look of brushed on paint. Furniture painted with a sprayer looks manufactured to me. I could see using a sprayer as time saver on the under coats and then maybe brush the top coat. For now I will just stick to my handy brushes. Click the photo to watch this part >>>

Click the photo to watch this part of the video

Click photo to watch this part of the video

When sanding furniture I usually start with the edges of the piece or anything sticking up. These areas are the ones that will naturally get worn first anyway. Once I am done with those areas I can step back and see how I want to proceed with the distressing. <<< Click the photo to watch this part

On this project I used actual glaze. When I say 'actual glaze' I am talking a product that is specifically made to act as a glaze. It's pretty much a watered down paint that will stay workable (wet) longer than a regular paint would so that you can spread it onto the piece and get the antique look desired. Using glaze is a really simple technique that easily gives the piece of furniture an old dingy look.

Join the discussion, ask questions, or show off your project DOWN BELOW!!!